History+of+the+Issue

The current definition of disaster management involves the preparation before a disaster occurs and the timely and appropriate response to it afterward. This was not always a priority for governments and countries experiencing such problems. This task only became a specialized area of studies when the world witnessed the tragedies that occurred during and after a national disaster, natural or man-made. Not only is there damage caused to lives, infrastructure and the environment, but the country’s morale and foundations have been destroyed as well. With the establishment of the United Nations and its various components, this concept began to come to the forefront and countries became involved with one another, when it came to rescue and emergency aid. With developing media technology, the world was able to see for itself what victims of such disaster went through. International organizations and media groups spread awareness. In time, with effective communication systems, integrated global policies and live coverage of events, people around the world are ready to help and get involved. However, this help was never made use of, or coordinated properly. It allowed for chaos and confusion, unnecessary casualties and desperate crimes when things were at their worst.
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 It is often forgotten or not realized that when a disaster has occurred, there are two things that happen. The first is the massive destruction and death, which needs to be addressed immediately. Teams of organized people need to attend to the injured, count the dead, and clear the area of potential hazards. The second is that alongside chaos and confusion comes a “collapse of traditional societal support mechanisms” (New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, 2000-2010). There no longer exist social norms to abide by, since there is no law to enforce it. Police officers and other authorities are preoccupied trying to save lives. The situation is also aggravated by desperation and fear. Fear of starving to death, or being unable to find drinking water. Fear of not surviving till the next day. Survivors are often unable to come to terms with the loss of control over their lives and become frustrated with the living conditions. This leads to violence, abuse, rape, theft and murder. “Following the Missouri floods of 1993, the average state turn-away rate of domestic violence victims at shelters rose 111 percent over the preceding year.” (Jenkins and Phillips, 2008.)

These statistics were never really brought to light at the time because of the limitation of technology and media coverage. But now because of our phenomenal growth in communication infrastructure, we are able to document and prevent any social disruption and psychological after effects that may occur. Crowd control and establishment of law and order are just some of the concerns that relate to disaster management. The profession evolves with time and is defined by our means. In the past, people who suffered a disaster would pray to be saved and hope for a rescue team, but because of the capabilities of today’s international organizations and relations, they should have a right to it. Slowly our responses to calamities are becoming more planned, more proactive and more incorporative. The issue now is whether we can speed up the process and do what is necessary in time.